The HIM Entourage

In this series finale, we speak with Larry Saunders, founder of Computer Training Services about how his faith influenced his career trajectory.

For this episode, we speak with LaSha Cofer an accomplished HIM professional with over 20 years of experience in coding, revenue cycle, and implementations. Listen as she explains the journey of discovering her sweet spot in HIM and how she her experiences to support her students. You can find her on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we speak with Ritesh Shah who was able to successfully transition from Pharmacy to Health Informatics. He gives insight into what the journey looked like for him, including the certification process, and how being inquisitive about the systems he used as a pharmacist and properly networking helped him land his first health informatics position. You can find him on LinkedIn and via his email shahritesh87@gmail.com

In this episode, we speak with the amazing Danese Simpkins, MS, SPHR, LDSS,CDE, who provides us with all kinds of jewels that will be helpful for us as we negotiate our salary, have difficult conversations with our boss, and work on professional development. This episode is definitely one that those from all areas can find useful. You can find her on LinkedIn or contact her via email at danese_simpkins@yahoo.com

In this episode, we speak with Linzy Hayes who is fresh from completing his Health Information Bachelor's Degree and earning the RHIA. He currently serves as an HIM Manager in Training. It's always refreshing to hear from new professionals and their experiences as they move from academia to the workforce. Insights like this can be helpful to help programs understand how to move students over from concept to practice. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn or via email at linzyhayes@yahoo.com

In this episode we speak with Mowe Simpson, MS, RHIA, CPHIMS has 10 years' experience in supporting EMR health information applications. He is most passionate about promoting interoperability and data exchange and emerging health technologies. Mowe served as a committee member of the HIMSS Concert committee and as President of the Dallas Ft. Worth Health Information Management Association. In 2018 he was the recipient of the Texas Health Information Management Association Rising Star Award. Mr. Simpson is also an adjunct instructor at Alabama State University in the health information administration program.

This episode we speak with Elizabeth(Liz) Wilson. She is the Program Director of HIT and HIM at Beal University in Maine, She made the transition into HIM about 15 years ago from a background in diagnostic imaging. Listen in as she discusses the importance of HIM Educators having industry experiences. Be sure to let us know your takeaways!

In this episode, we speak with Healthcare IT Project Management extraordinaire Stacey Jones, MHA, RHIA, CRCR, CSBI. She originally got her start in IT and made the pivot to HIM and has carved a unique path for herself as a consultant. She's good peeps and really provides an honest perspective on the current and future state of HIM.

In this episode, we speak with the amazing Quintin Ficklin Jr. Health Informaticist and Founder of QSF Jr. Success Foundation. Listen in to learn about his journey in HIM and how we can advocate for better representation for men and POC in the industry.

This episode we premiere our cohost extraordinaire and friend Dr. Kengia Sabree to the podcast as she interviews with Martha Fernandez, the Sr. Director of the Employer Resource Center at Dallas College. They will brainstorm strategies to employ to enrich the pipeline of future professionals and how to partner with employers to have curriculum and programs match industry expectations.

Listen to this episode to learn about my motivation for the podcast, the direction for this season, and what you as a listener can expect!

If you enjoyed this season of the HIM Entourage, then you will enjoy hearing about my take on my favorite interviews, what I learned, and what you could look forward to when the next season airs in 2022. Special thanks to Dr. Sabree for her interview!

This was an exciting episode with Valerie Page, RHIT. Often times during our conversations it felt like I was looking into the mirror, our stories are eerily similar. Tune in to this episode to hear more about her journey and her amazing tips for job seekers!

This week, we speak with Meghan Christensen who serves as a Business and Healthcare recruiter for Wells Fargo. Although she is technically in the banking industry, she does recruit healthcare professionals from time to time. Listen to this episode to hear about the best way to optimize your resume and hear her dispel some of the rumors we have heard about recruiters. Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn for more tips, positions, and positivity.

Ever wondered where "The HIM Concierge" came from? Part of my inspiration for branding came from this courageous woman. Susan Clark is so bold in how she shows up because she knows that she has proven her value, knowledge, and expertise. In this episode, she talks about how she earned the name "The Health IT Rockstar" and what it means for her. Additionally, if you have ever considered going into the consulting world, she shares some insights that you might be interested in. Find her on LinkedIn!

In this episode, we speak with Lakeyshia Moore, MBA, RHIA, Director of Coding Operations at Parkland Health and Hospital System, past DFWHIMA President, and current TXHIMA Presidential Candidate. You will love her story of determination and perseverance as she was defining her career. Find more information about her on her LinkedIn page!

This week we speak with Elaine O'bleness, who has managed to take all of her years of HIM knowledge to create a position for herself that isn't typical of an HIM professional but most definitely falls in line with the capabilities that we have. If you are looking for some inspiration to do something new and innovative, this episode is most definitely for you. Find Elaine on her website at healthinformationandpatientadvocacyassociates.com or on her LinkedIn page.

We are having a nice chat with Shenita Freeman, Director of Informatics and Analytics at Centurion. We touched on so many different areas that I think truly deserve their own special episodes, but today's conversation was a nice introduction. She gave excellent advice to novices that are starting out while working in healthcare. We also talked about public health, why protecting health information is important and even spoke briefly on the census and clinical trial participant diversity. Enjoy! Find Shenita on LinkedIn!

For this week's episode, we explore navigating your education with the responsibilities of being a working parent. I enjoyed diving into the personal space with Diann Smith, Vice President of HIM and CDI at Texas Health Resources and past AHIMA President. She also happens to be one of the few people that knew they wanted to pursue a career in the HIM space. Hope you will enjoy it. You can find her on LinkedIn as well as her website diannhsmith.com

For today's episode we talk with Seth Katz, the Health Information and Revenue Cycle VP for Truman Medical Center and 2021 AHIMA Board Candidate. He shares his experience as a HIM and Public Health professional, the expansion of artificial intelligence, and how important participation is in professional organizations to grow your brand.

For this episode, I got a chance to speak with Katherine Lusk, AHIMA President, and Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Texas Health Services Authority. She talks about the impact that having support from mentors helped her gain the confidence that she needed as she assumed new roles which eventually led her to leadership roles. She also provided valuable insight about how being a HIM professional and being involved in professional organizations such as AHIMA should be synonymous. Enjoy!

For today's episode I interviewed Noelle Dale-Brown the Managing Director at Dale Brown Career and Business Services. She is an experienced RHIA and RMA in both acute and post-acute care and a certified Scrum Master/Green Belt. She is a dedicated educator and full of energy. This interview really changes how I will conduct interviews from here on!

For this episode I spoke with Dr. Lisa Campbell, the President and CEO of Physician Practice Resources. Join me as we hear about her experience in the field, the importance of work/life balance, and hear her take on students that chose the HIM profession because of the potential income they could earn.

In this episode we speak with Shawna Ridley - Health Systems Director for UT Southwestern Medical Center. During this episode we speak about the importance of mentorship, skills that all professionals should sharpen, and discuss how to maximize the mentor/mentee relationship.

Wanted to give everyone a look into what they can expect with the podcast and also explain a bit about myself for those that may not know who I am. It's awkward for me to talk about myself, so I solicited the help of my dear friend Dr. Kengia Sabree. She really helped me make sure that my personality shined through. Hope you enjoy!